With the initial frenzy of free agency slowing down, here's what the experts believe the Seahawks will do with pick No.16 in April's draft.
16. Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
Powers-Johnson is built like a guard but moves like the center he is. Instant starter with plus upside for Seattle.
16. Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Fautanu reunites with Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who was his OC at UW. Fautanu can play tackle, but he would slide in at guard as a rookie with the 'Hawks.
16. Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
Very curious to see what Seattle does without Pete Carroll's influence on the drafting philosophy. I would GUESS the Seahawks are more likely to trade back, but for now they can take Latu here.
16. Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
Mike Macdonald, who I got to know well when he was Michigan's defensive coordinator, has a simple philosophy, and his first order of business is to build a run wall. You do that by getting multiple defensive tackles. Murphy fits really well here.
16. Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
An elite interior offensive line prospect, Powers-Johnson has started at both guard and center. He was arguably the most dominant offensive player during Senior Bowl practices, showing off plus athleticism at 6-3, 328 pounds.
16. JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The All-SEC right tackle, who has experience at guard, simply helps a weak offensive line somewhere given new HC Mike Macdonald's intent to run the ball more effectively and extensively.
16. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
I'm worried about Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas, who looked like a good starter as a rookie but lost most of the 2023 season to a knee injury. Even when he came off injured reserve, he was getting subbed out and his play was worrisome. Lucas might walk into camp as the starting right tackle, but Mims represents a high-ceiling investment who isn't necessarily ready to start in year one anyway.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald continues to build out his coaching staff for 2024 so check out who will be will leading the team next season. (02/28/24)